11 Things #TodaysKidsWillNeverKnow About Hollywood

Growing up in Hollywood, FL is an interesting experience to be sure. But that experience is vastly different now then in decades past. Here’s 11 things that #TodaysKidsWillNeverKnow about the old “Hollyhood”

Boomers! and the Dania Beach Hurricane wooden rollercoaster

Sunday, January 25th was the last day of operation for this popular Dania Beach landmark. According to the Sun Sentinel, “It shut down to make way for The Landings at Dania Beach, a new development that will include a shopping center, restaurants, a hotel and apartments.” (Yes we know this is not technically in Hollywood, but it was still a really important part
“The Dania Beach entertainment center opened in the 1970s under a different name … Palace Entertainment bought it in the early 2000s and renamed it Boomers…” The Dania Beach Hurricane opened November 1, 2000 at 3,200-feet-long, 100-feet-tall, the coaster was the largest wooden roller coaster in Florida at the time. Although it ceased operation in April 2011, the coaster can still be seen from I95, but is set to be torn down later this year.
Read More: 13 Things #TodaysKidsWillNeverKnow… About Growing Up In South Florida

Hollywood Fashion Center/The Millennium Hollywood’s City Place

Widely known as the “Millennium Mall” to the younger Hollywood generation, long-time residents fondly remember this shopping mall as the Fashion Center. In 1972 the center owed its popularity primarily to the anchor stores, including Burdines, Jordan Marsh, JC Penney and Richards. Although once the Pembroke Lakes mall opened in 1992, and the larger tenants left, the owners filed for bankruptcy. Fast forward to October 11, 2003, the center re-opened as an indoor flea market after sitting empty for a decade. Although Millennium was successful early on, attracting families with an ice rink and merry-go-round, it soon took on a seedy element; it was later discovered the merchants were selling stolen goods.